October 4, 2019
As we transition into Fall, what are your feelings regarding music tempo in general as it relates to seasonal tendencies?
 Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: I think the suspicion that listeners expect or want more tempo in warmer months is just that – a suspicion. Certainly when you ask them, they say it doesn’t matter. I’m sure we could get all nerdy and data-science-y and tempo code the songs we test in OMTs and then run a report by season and see if they give evaluations differently, but at the end of the day, they come to our radio stations to be entertained and hear music they love.
Rick Vaughn, KENZ: I have never been a believer in tempo and mood adjustments for seasons. It’s more important to be consistent with audience expectations 365 days a year. I don’t think it makes any sense to change the tempo of your brand for the weather. Mike “OD” O’Donnell, WKRZ: We cannot let the tempo Fall back down when we go into the Fall season. That always happen. Here’s my message: no more ballads for the balance of 2019 please. Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia: Play the hits. Personally, I think the industry may overthink this one a bit. Maybe there are stats to refute that, but I can’t imagine listeners ‘want more ballads’ because there is less sunshine.
Scotty Finck, Hollywood Records: This taps into conversations I’ve been having often as of late. My humble contention is, if said mid-tempo or ballad has a lyric that sings the audience’s life or ethos, has the narrative that is visceral and meaningful, then PLAY THE $%^& MID-TEMPO / BALLAD. Because those are the songs that are creating the most important connection between you and the audience. The people want to be entertained, yes. But more than anything, THEY WANT THEM FEELS! Josh Wolff, WAEB: Tempo is a concern for CHR, but ultimately you just want to play the hits year-round. Max Volume, KOZZ: It’s important to embrace and romance the songs that capture a season, but it’s also important to play the songs that endure 24/7/365. |
Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: It truly doesn’t matter. I’ll play ballads in the summer and Dance hits in December, as long as they’re hits. A hit is a hit regardless of the time of year.
Jammer, WEZB: It’s always the best mix when you find the hits no matter the tempo. It about embracing the best songs and finding a way to strategically fit them in where and when you can. Todd Shannon, WAPE: It’s always nice to have up-tempo in the Summer, but in general you really don’t want an overload of either pace. It’s all about balance. Just give us the hits!
Java Joel, WAKS: I don’t like a TON of ballads on the air no matter what time of year. That said, there’s nothin’ wrong with a little dynamic range and who doesn’t love a good “fall song”? Heather Deluca, WSJO: I don’t think the approach of Fall means that tempo has to suffer. But I do think the overall mood of the season allows for deeper, more meaningful songs to impact and resonate. We’re all doing some reflection towards the end of a calendar year. And, like, DUH, don’t release a banger with the word ‘spring’ or ‘summer’ in it, lol.
Mase, CD1025: I don’t really need any reggae…or faux reggae. I live in Ohio. |
 Jeremy Rice, WBLI: Just play the freakin’ HITS! Don’t over think it. Lewis Capaldi came out in the middle of the Summer, SLOW and a SMASH. A strong programmer will have well balanced music 24/7/365.
Kobe, WWHT: In the Summer, it’s more important to be hotter because the overall mood of the station and our audience is all about energy. In Fall and Winter, it doesn’t really matter. You can still have a good mix of up-tempo songs (mood boosts) along with some slower paced songs. In the Summer, I definitely try to add records to my Gold library that match the vibe of season, but I don’t necessarily try to add slower songs in the Winter to match the mood of that season. Jagger, WKSS/WKCI: As a rule, you’re always going to see more ballads getting released and played in the Fall, and they also wind up testing better then. We definitely identify the sound and tempo as Summer or Fall songs, and as we get into October, you’re going to see Lewis Capaldi have a #1 song. People are definitely more open to hearing slower songs during this time of year, but you still have to keep the tempo of the station up…balance. Jeff Hurley, WLAN: I hate slow songs in the Summer, but otherwise play the hits.
Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: I’m a fan of keeping CHR tempo driven regardless of the season. Ally Reid, WFLY: Radio needs to get out of that mindset. |
Jonathan Reed, WNOK: We are always mindful of the tempo. Just because it’s cooler outside doesn’t mean we can or have to be slower. But it’s always about the hits no matter the tempo.
Mike Miller, WZFT: Personally, I don’t like the tempo being too down during these next couple of months because there is usually a spike in depression and suicide. So we like to keep the tempo bright and positive when we can. But our focus remains on playing the hits.
Matt Johnson, KSLZ: I think a lot of those feelings are antiquated, however the product we’re receiving at Top 40 right now is mostly slow-tempo based aiming at the Fall and holiday seasons. And when everyone’s zigging, I think there’s definitely an opportunity for someone to zag. Cream rises to the top, play the best available product.
Buzz Knight, Beasley Media Group: As so many of our brands provide an emotional trigger for their audiences, we generally favor a consistent and up beat tempo to deliver on a listener expectation.
Sassy, WKXJ: Summer is the time for fun, and I don’t want a constant flow of slow songs to program. Radio has always sold the summer as a time for fun, kicking it with your friends and just having a blast. We sell fun in the summer. But, what’s even bigger than that is if the song is a hit, play it, because Lewis Capaldi came out during the summer and that song is headed to #1.Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
Who makes your list as the Top 3 Pop artists of all-time, and which Pop artists of this decade are heading in that direction?
e-Mail your responses to: jodorisio@fmqb.com or bburke@fmqb.com
